Fede Valverde accepts responsibility after Uruguay’s World Cup exit: “I know I wasn’t up to it”

Federico Valverde of Uruguay is seen prior the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group H match between Uruguay and Spain

Fede Valverde has broken his silence following Uruguay’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking full responsibility for his performances and expressing the heartbreak of another group-stage elimination with his national team.

The Real Madrid midfielder admitted he fell short of his own expectations and those of Uruguay, describing the tournament as one of the most painful moments of his career. Valverde also referenced the lingering disappointment from Uruguay’s first-round exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, saying that experience remains a “thorn” he has never fully overcome.

After a demanding campaign for both club and country, the 27-year-old will now head on vacation with his wife, Mina Bonino, and their two children before returning to prepare for another important season with Real Madrid. The couple is also expecting their third child, Bruna.

In a heartfelt message published on his social media accounts, Valverde wrote:

“Several days have passed since the elimination and I can only now begin to process everything I experienced, although I know that there is a part of me that will possibly never manage to overcome another first round elimination, like the one I suffered in the Qatar World Cup. That thorn is still stuck.

I feel a huge responsibility for my country. It’s a pride that fills my soul. I did everything in my power: I prepared myself physically and emotionally and tried not to repeat what happened again, working hard all season. But obviously it wasn’t enough.

I assume the defeat. I take full responsibility for not being able to fulfill my duty to the selection and to you.

I handle the failure and I know I wasn’t up to it. But in no way will I give up representing my country, even if it costs me my life.

I don’t know how or when, but I swear on my life I’m not leaving this selection without leaving it at the highest.”

“Several days have passed since the elimination and I can only now begin to process everything I experienced, although I know that there is a part of me that will possibly never manage to overcome another first round elimination, like the one I suffered in the Qatar World Cup. That thorn is still stuck.

I feel a huge responsibility for my country. It’s a pride that fills my soul. I did everything in my power: I prepared myself physically and emotionally and tried not to repeat what happened again, working hard all season. But obviously it wasn’t enough.

I assume the defeat. I take full responsibility for not being able to fulfill my duty to the selection and to you.

I handle the failure and I know I wasn’t up to it. But in no way will I give up representing my country, even if it costs me my life.

I don’t know how or when, but I swear on my life I’m not leaving this selection without leaving it at the highest.”